OLCV Talk

"Nothing is Going to Save the Salmon if this Gets In"

So says Idaho state Rep. Eric Anderson about zebra and quagga mussels, that threaten to overtake northwest waterways. While they have yet to be introduced to Washington and Oregon, a boat infested with quagga mussels was stopped on Washington's roads this spring.

If introduced, they could cost the state tens of millions of dollars to control. That's what the Oregon Conservation Network prioritized passing a bill to create and fund boat check stations, and why the legislature passed a dozen bills to fight invasive species.

Read more about quaggas in Friday's Oregonian.

Things are Moving (maybe on two wheels) in Washington County

We all know the advantages that bicycle transportation has compared to its four wheeled counterpart. Now Washington County is starting to ask some good questions about how to get things moving to improve access to bike transportation. The discussion is being lead by Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, a long time OLCV supporter and bike advocate. Read more about it at the Oregonian.

It is great to see Commissioner Schouten continue to be out front on this. Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen is also taking active role for two wheeled transportation. Thanks to them both.

In addition to the conversation about getting around Washington County, it looks like there could be some serious shake-ups around the County Commission in 2010. In recent news it looks like Commissioner Deserai Strader may be looking outside the county for her next run. We also know that Commissioner Andy Duyk is not seeking re-election for his seat on the County Commission. And recently, Forest Grove Mayor Richard Kidd and Bob Terry have both thrown their hats into the ring for that seat.

It will be interesting to see the discussion about bikes and transportation play its way into these races I am sure it will, along with many issues important to OLCV and conservation voters across Washington County. We will be keeping a close eye on all the latest news about these races and the issues they will bring up.

Here are a few other news hits that will surely be shaping the political and policy discussions in the county.

Larry Galizio steps down as HD 35 representative

Washington County is taking comments on the Rural and Urban reserve plan

Oh, and how could I forget, OLCV has announced the hire of its next Executive Director Jon Isaacs. Check out the full story.

Galizio to leave House

Oregon House Representative Larry Galizio (D-Tigard) has announced he will resign from his seat to work as a planner for the Oregon University System. Read about it in the Oregonian.

You may remember that Rep. Galizio changed his vote on the Metolius bill this last session (HB 3298). That meant the bill passed by just a single vote, and the treasured river basin is now protected into perpetuity.

Galizio scored a 94% on OLCV's 2007 Environmental Scorecard. The 2009 Scorecard will be released in September.

OLCV thanks Rep. Galizio for his service and wishes him well.

Oregonians choose to vacation in Iowa-not a typo

When a person hears the acronym RAGBRAI, they will inevitably deliver one of two responses; what the heck is RAGBRAI? Or Oh! Sweet, I love RAGBRAI! The first is delivered from anyone living outside of the Midwest, and the second is anyone who has heard this combination of letters, even one time. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is a seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 38th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world!

 

Until last month, I was someone who knew nothing about the joys of RAGBRAI. If asked whether I’d ever vacation in Iowa, my answer would have been a definitive NO! But after a week of following the circus through rolling hills, with thousands of people riding bikes, eating pie galore and a joining in the feverish energy of being in love with the moment, I wonder why anyone would vacation outside of Iowa?

 

This year’s route covered 442 miles, through Southern Iowa from Council Bluffs to Burlington, or the Missouri River to the Mississippi. My partner Serena and I joined a team of mixed origins called the Sigourney Weavers, an extant team for over 25 years. Of our 15 teammates, we had people from Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Utah, and Santiago, Chile. Ages ranged from 2 to 56 and life paths, personal interests, and fitness varied greatly. For one week, this unlikely group was unified by a goal: to ride across Iowa.

 

And ride across Iowa, we did, twice, maybe even thrice. In order to reach Council Bluffs, we took three planes, three cars, and a bus. We left from Bend, Oregon at 5 p.m. July 16^th and arrived in Council Bluffs at 6 p.m., July 18^th. We were tired, hungry, thirsty, and oh so curious. We camped the first night with the masses at the Council Bluffs fair grounds. Beyond our tent plot was a giant expo of bike and food vendors. People perused the expo eating Turkey legs and Pork Chops, dressed in lycra while live music from the Bare Naked Ladies blared late into the evening.

 

Upon first light, Serena and I awoke to the sound of whirring hubs and muffled conversation from the riders eager to find the route and begin the first day’s ride. We followed suit by breaking down camp, packing our gear onto our team bus, chasing bananas with coffee and lubing our bike chains.

 

It is never hard to identify the day’s route. You follow the hundreds of people just in front of you until you see the steady stream of thousands en masse, guided by police escort through the first intersection. Once on the route, all you have to do is ride your bike. Every 10 miles or so, a town full of food and fun awaits. It becomes a game of roulette whether to stop or hold out for something better ahead.

 

Each town does its best to be distinguished from the others. Some play live music, others have petting zoos, while better yet, some offer skillet throwing contests. In a town just outside of Indianola, I witnessed an errant skillet toss escape its wire mesh confines and launch into a crowd of onlookers only to miss human contact by hairs. This again sums up RAGBRAI: chaos confused for order.

 

To those of us who live outside of the Midwest, there is a common misperception about Iowa being flat. From the daily 3-5,000 foot gains in elevation, I assure that Iowa is not flat. It may not be mountainous but is anything but flat. Iowa is also rather picturesque. Fields of corn and soy as far as the eye can see, rolling hills, and meandering rivers entice the imagination.

 

By the middle of the week, I was at ease. I felt comfortable riding in such a large group, I knew where to find my favorite pie vendor in each town, I knew how much money I was going to spend throughout the day and strangers no longer looked so strange.

 

People became recognizable by their bikes, or their jerseys, and questions about being from Bend (each rider is given a license plate to affix to their bike saddle wherein you write your name, where you live, and how many RAGBRAI’s you’ve taken part in) became prevalent. “Bend! Isn’t that where the pregnant Man lives? Wasn’t there some movie filmed there recently? I hear there’s great mountain-biking out there.” To all of which I answered you betcha, or where’s the Kaibo (Midwestern for porta-potty)?

 

And just when you’re really feeling at home, it’s time to start thinking about real life again. Day seven took us into the town of Burlington and to the Mississippi River. We finished our route then in sticking with tradition, dipped our front wheels into the river, signifying the completion of the ride. Team Sigourney Weaver hugged, laughed, said or goodbyes and see you next years. If you are remotely curious about this remarkable event, I strongly recommend going at least once in a lifetime.

 

For more information about RAGBRAI, visit www.RAGBRAI.com

Northwest's Energy Needs Can be Met with Efficiency, Saving Money

While I spent yesterday in meetings about Rep. Jules Bailey's EEAST program, which encourages investments in energy retrofitting paid back over time on utility bills, the Northwest Power Planning Council released a report demonstrating that 85% of the Northwest's future energy needs can met through energy efficiency, and the rest with wind and other renewables.  In the long term, such investments will mean lower energy bills for residents and businesses alike.

From today's article in The Oregonian:

"The Northwest can meet 85 percent of its new electricity needs over the next 20 years solely through conservation, and do so at half the cost of building power plants, according to the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council."

OLCV hires Jon Isaacs as new Executive Director

Isaacs will replace current ED Jonathan Poisner in early October

Jon Isaacs has accepted the position of Executive Director of The Oregon League of Conservation Voters.

Isaacs most recently served as State Director in the office of U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, after managing Merkley’s successful senatorial campaign against Gordon Smith in 2008. That campaign was the first to unseat an incumbent United States Senator in Oregon in 40 years.

Read more...

Green Development?

Can building a new house be a sustainable practice? 

David Fisse of Northwest Design thinks so. His home on Timberlake drive in Ashland
won a national award for sustainability from the American Institute of Building Design. The home uses passive cooling and has no Air Conditioning unit.

Read about his award in the Tidings

Now Fisse is working on a model green development in Medford called Experiment Station Green Homes.

But not everyone thinks that development can really be green.

Two years ago the Ashland City Council approved a green subdivision on Nevada Street 5-1. Some people argued that development needs to be limited given the limited supply of water and land. Others argued that growth is inevitable and we should make new houses as sustainable as possible. Here is the debate about the subdivision

 

Some economics argue that growth is a bad standard for economic progress: The British report can be found here

What do you think, should environmentalists be supporting green developments? Or do you think development and green values inherently contradictory and all development should be opposed?

 

Post your thoughts below.

Governor Follows Through, Delivers Vetoes - Thank You!

Today Governor Kulongoski followed through on his threat to veto two bills that would have weakened Oregon's commitment to a clean energy future. We had requested he veto one of the bills, House Bill 2940. Read more about the bills.

From the press release:

"House Bill 2940 would diminish the value of Oregon's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by including additional sources of generation not accounted for in the original standard at the expense of new renewable generation projects. 

“The RPS is a great economic generator, and already has produced great environmental benefits.  I cannot support reducing the standard and thereby, the economic and environmental benefits,” the Governor wrote....

"House Bill 2472 reduces the Business Energy Tax Credit cap from $10.00 million to $3.5 million, a reduction that the Governor believes goes too far and would put Oregon at a competitive disadvantage in growing the state’s renewable energy sector, resulting in fewer jobs and less clean, renewable energy sources.  The bill would also expand the BETC to cover electric vehicle manufacturing and supporting parts.

“The BETC has aided the renewable energy industry, which in turn has provided much needed jobs while transitioning the state towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. 

Oregon now leads the nation in the percentage of jobs related to green energy,” the Governor said the letter returned with the bill.  “I cannot support a bill that would scale back our support for one of the few growing sectors of our economy at a time when encouraging new economic opportunity is so critically important.”

Read his full letters on HB 2940 and HB 2472.

The Governor Stands Up for Oregon's Clean Energy Future

Last week Governor Kulongoski gave notice he was considering vetoing two bills relating to Oregon's commitment to clean energy: HB 2940 and HB 2472.

House Bill 2940, which we have requested he veto (see veto letter), undermines the law legislators passed in 2007 to create 25% of Oregon's energy by 2025 from new renewable sources. The bill counts old, pre-1995 biomass plants as new renewable energy, which means less new clean energy, and a step back from energy independence.

We applaud the Governor's commitment to a clean energy future, and urge him to move forward in stopping the rollbacks.

Read more from the Oregonian.

Summer reading

Check out OLCV's latest newsletter!

• Learn about the fate of environmental bills in the last legislative session, including one to save the Metolius River basin (pictured)
• Read a good-bye from OLCV's departing Executive Director
• Check out what's been going on in your county
• Enter our photo contest before the August 10th deadline
• And more...

Feeding the Fire

I already had an interest in environmental issues before I arrived as an intern at OLCV. But Oregon’s awe- inspiring natural beauty has only bolstered this interest during my time here. Admittedly, growing up in South Carolina, I am accustomed to seeing lush forests full of beautiful trees.  However, being surrounded by talk of new environmental legislation to protect Oregon’s air, water, and wildlife here at OLCV, it is particularly poignant to then go out and enjoy what the environmental community is trying so hard to protect.

Over the past six weeks that I have spent in Oregon, I have been fortunate enough to visit vastly different places throughout the state. After traveling almost every weekend to various Oregon destinations, I am still astounded that I could see such diversity of ecosystems here.

In my short time here in Oregon, I have seen people crabbing in little picturesque coastal towns. I have watched kiteboarders floating up into the air at Hood River. I have seen the majesty of Smith Rock and gone river rafting in Deschutes, as well as hiking through the beautiful trails of Cascade Head.

Last weekend, I took a trip to Bend along with a small group in my program. To arrive there, we drove from Portland over the Cascades and through the high desert, only to arrive in pine forests surrounding the Deschutes River. As I watched the scenery change before my eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible that I was still in the same state.

All of these experiences were unique, from hiking through pine forests to admiring the strength of river rapids. The beauty of Oregon has really driven home my desire to make sure that all these natural wonders remain as they are now, so that others after me can enjoy the connection to nature in the same way.

Climate Bills Signed Into Law!

This Wednesday in Eugene, environmental leaders and legislators joined Governor Kulongoski as he signed into law a set of climate bills passed by the 2009 Legislature. The set of seven bills including three OCN priority bills. The bills will cut energy waste, save consumers money, and take steps to protect Oregon's future from climate change.

The bills will generally go into effect January 1, 2010, though task force work required by some of the bills will start immediately.

The three most important bills -- all part of the Governor's climate agenda -- were SB 79, which directs the state to improve building codes and cut energy waste in new buildings, SB 101, which limits the ability of utilities to build new coal plants, and HB 2186, which is the nation's first legislatively-adopted bill to cut pollution from fuel, by 10% by 2020. HB 2626, an innovative law championed by Rep. Jules Bailey about loaning businesses and homeowners funds for energy improvements, was also signed into law.

While scientists have noted the urgency for much stronger and immediate action on climate change, we hope the laws legislators passed in 2009 will create momentum for future action, demonstrating a prosperous future depends on addressing climate change, rather than inaction and delay.

Read the Governor's press release.

OCN's Bowlathon

The Oregon Conservation Network’s recipe for a successful Bowlathon:

Combine:

(1)    Ordinary summer night (preferably a Tuesday)

(10)  Sets of bowling pins

(50)  Bowling balls (in an array of colors)

(50)  Envirogeeks

Add to mixture:

(1)    Generous dash of OLCV Field Organizer Andy Maggi’s “Eye of the Tiger” bowling wisdom

(1)    Promise of immortalization in the OCN’s next SalemWatch to the team that walks away with the Bowling Champion title

(1)  Healthy dose of post-session steam to blow off

Let simmer until:

· Laughter is prevalent

· Spirits are high

· Atmosphere of good-natured competition is present

Serve immediately.

 

On Tuesday, this recipe resulted in an awesome evening at Interstate Lanes in Portland at the Oregon Conservation Network’s Bowlathon fundraiser. In fact, we had so much fun that we might make it an annual event. The success of the evening must have been due to everyone’s motivation to strike through “Environmental Threats to a Healthy Oregon” (pun intended).

OLCV congratulates award recipients 1000 Friends of Oregon and The Citizens’ Utility Board. (Please see the results below for more details.)  Thanks so much to all of the bowlers who showed up to support the Oregon Conservation Network’s work.

Become a “fan” of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters on Facebook and check out the “2009 Bowlathon” album to be posted soon.

And, don’t forget to subscribe to SalemWatch so you can stay current with the Oregon Conservation Network’s projects.    

 

The OLCV team (from left: Katie, Evan, Tresa, Andy, Jeanne, Jonathan)  

Jonathan and Andy showing OLCV team spirit

 

*Drum Roll Please*

And the Winners Are…

The Best “Average” Team Award recipient: 1000 Friends of Oregon

For impeccable “average” performance

Team Members: Gerik Kransky, Tara Sulzen, Eric Stachon & son, Bailey Schreiber

 

 The Mighty Underdog Award recipient: Citizens’ Utility Board

For awe-inspiring gutter ball mastery

Team Members: Jeff Bissonnette, Paul Theirs, Morgan Theirs, Catriona McCracken, Amani Smathers

 

 

The Bowling Champion Award recipient: Oregon League of Conservation Voters

For successful domination

Team Members: Jonathan Poisner, Evan Manvel, Andy Maggi, Jeanne Winslow, Tresa Horney

  

Final Scores:

Lane Number	Organizations Represented	Game 1 Score	Game 2 Score	TOTAL
15	American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, Save Our Wild Salmon	313	332	645
16	Oregon Environmental Council	463	357	820
17	Citizens’ Utility Board (Team 1)	339	288	627
18	Oregon Citizens for Safe Drinking Water, Oregon Toxics Alliance	462	433	895
19	1000 Friends of Oregon	436	453	889
20	Oregon League of Conservation Voters	505	515	1020
21	Citizens’ Utility Board (Team 2)	437	466	903
22	Oregon Senate Democrats	391	437	828
23	Environment Oregon	512	466	978
24	Trailblazers, Coalition for a Livable Future, Citizens’ Utility Board, etc.	N/A	N/A	N/A

Note: Total scores were determined using the sum of the top 4 scores from each game. The best “average” team title was awarded to the team with the median score. Due to lack of bowlers for Game 1, lane 24 team's scores could not be included in the running.  

Pesticides in Lane County forests

Interesting article in yesterday's Eugene Register-Guard about the problem of pesticide spraying over Lane County forest land affecting nearby residents. That problem was brought to the Lane County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday by one resident who has rallied his Coast-Range neighbors into the "Pitchfork Rebellion." The group is asking for a very reasonable change in the application of the chemicals that would limit their exposure and their risk of related health side effects.

From the article: "Commissioners Pete Sorenson, Bill Fleenor and Rob Handy expressed interest and sympathy for Owen’s efforts."

Not surprisingly, all three commissioners were endorsed by OLCV.

Why watchdogs matter

At first glance, this New York Times story -- which also ran in today's Oregonian-- appears to be about cell phones.

And, OK, it is. It's about driving with cell phones, or more importantly, the data that the government suppressed about the risks posed by driving with cell phones. (Click here for the previous NYT story that talks more about the data--it's pretty alarming).

But take a step back. What's this story really about? It's about government accountability. It's about the importance of watchdogs that keep democracy in check and hold the importance of public's well-being over politics.

So, who was the watchdog in this case? If you are picturing a seasoned journalist sitting at a cluttered desk in the wee hours pouring over reports, guess again. There were two watchdogs: two consumer advocacy nonprofits who filed a Freedom of Information Act to get the report, which they then handed over to the New York Times. (As a side note, this story also illustrates the extreme importance of keeping government records open.)

You could argue that even as the media world limps through day to day, some reporter should have caught this. But they didn't. The fact is, we can't depend on journalists to be the only government watchdogs. Nonprofits--from  consumer advocacy groups to environmental political organizations--serve as a bridge between government and media, filling in the blanks. Sometimes, those blanks are, while not inconsequential, small. But sometimes, as in this case, the implications for the general public are immeasurable.

Democracy depends on accountability. As Walter Cronkite would say, "That's the way it is."

Gray water explained

Water resources are already taxed in Oregon, and with population growth and climate change, those resources are only going to see more demand. But if you are already sticking to five-minute showers, turning off the water when you brush your teeth and forgoing car washes, how can you conserve more?

What if the water you use in the shower, the washing machine, and dish-washing could be used TWICE? Well, you may know that in the Oregon Legislative session that just ended last month, the legislature passed a bill that would it a lot easier to use "gray water" to water your lawn or garden.

An article in today's Statesman Journal explains how it works and gives some good stats showing how much water you could save:

Water use

Gallons of water used per person per day:

Toilet: 18.5 gallons

Clothes washer: 15 gallons

Shower: 11.6 gallons

Faucet: 10.9 gallons

Bath: 1.2 gallons

Dishwasher: 1 gallon

Other: 1.6 gallons

Leaks: 9.5

Outdoor: 100.8 gallons

Total: 170 gallons

Source: American Water Works Association Research Foundation

It is important to note that two OLCV-endorsed candidates helped this bill succeed: Sen. Jackie Dinglfelder and Rep. Ben Cannon. Just one more reason we need to keep electing pro-environment leaders.

Read All About It! More Children to See the Outdoors!

Education is the best insurance policy. No Child Left Inside, or HB 2544 in the Capitol, quickly passed out of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education yesterday morning, with guaranteed swift passage to the House and Senate Floors. With the harkening of environmental challenges slated for this century, Oregon positions herself yet again as a progressive global leader, this time by investing in her youth.

As we previously discussed, the wonky-sounding Environmental Literacy Task Force bill is prescient in addressing the disconnect recorded in America’s youth. Pioneering research in the field, such as the pivotal studies found in “Last Child in the Woods,” identify the natural world as not only a source of inspiration for young persons, but a necessary sphere for the needed physical and--most importantly--emotional development of our youth.

Decision-makers like Representative Peter Buckley and Senator Sara Gelser grasp the alarming implications of an environmentally illiterate youth and have crafted and shepherded a bill through the tangled political process. No Child Left Inside is astutely oriented to receive likely grant money under Title II and Title V of the federal No Child Left Inside legislation. An influx of federal dollars will breathe life into the program and provide the necessary investment to make a good idea great.

Expect to see HB 2544 up in Ways and Means within the next few days and don’t hesitate in contacting your House and Senate to encourage their ‘Aye’ vote, for No Child should be Left Inside.

What's up with that headline?

The Oregonian ran my op-ed today about the necessity of the Oregon Legislature taking action on clean energy legislation, both to create green jobs and combat global warming.

But what was up with that headline?

They ran: "What ever happened to those 'green' jobs?"

It doesn't really match the piece at all.

A more appropriate headline is: "Legislature Needs to Move Forward, Not Backward, on Green Jobs."

Regardless, the piece illustrates the urgent necessity of Oregon's Legislature showing leadership in the next 10 days, beating back efforts to weaken existing policies the promote renewable energy, and passing bills like HB 2186 to promote more clean energy and reduce global warming pollution.

How Is Oregon's Environment Faring This Session?

It’s been a busy five months at the Capitol, and as the session enters its final weeks, we still have a lot of work to do.

Hundreds of environmental bills were introduced this session, an even dozen of which we prioritized, on six key issues. As of today, only two priority bills have made it to the Governor. In short, the session hasn’t exactly gone swimmingly.

 

While the session is not over, right now legislators have a lot of work to do to meet the bar set by the 2007 session, when the Oregon Legislature moved the state forward to fight climate change, fight toxins in rivers, expand the bottle bill, and more. That session was defined by groundbreaking legislation that set goals for reducing global warming pollution and spurred the growth of local renewable energy sources.

 

But a lot has changed since 2007 – most obviously, the state of our economy. And while the climate crisis offers Oregon a chance to create local jobs for Oregon families (The New York Times reports today Oregon leads the nation in green jobs), the 2009 Legislature has yet to send any of the four Oregon Conservation Network priority climate bills to the Governor. The state’s budget woes have proven to be a powerful distraction, and an excuse for inaction.

 

That’s not to say we haven’t seen some small and not-so-small victories, such as:

• TriMet and the Lane Transit District will be able to more adequately fund transit.
• People who dump non-native fish into Oregon lakes and rivers will face increased penalties.
• Oregon’s rivers will be protected from phosphates in household dishwashing soap.
• Homeowners will be able to use gray water to water their lawns and gardens.
• Penalties for corporate polluters will be increased for the first time in 36 years.

 

A critical climate bill, House Bill 2186, passed the House last month, but has yet to pass the Senate. And the House passed a consensus bill (HB 3013) related to OCN's Marine Reserves priority, which is now in the Senate.

Yet the Legislature has missed some opportunities -- like making Oregon's bottle bill more robust -- and may even send the state backwards on climate. Here are some of the battles we’re fighting right now:

 

• HB 2186 - the Senate may considerably weaken the version the House passed, or not take it up at all.
• We may end up fighting against Senate Bill 80, which could be irreparably altered to benefit corporate polluters. Sadly, this bill was once the centerpiece of this session’s climate and jobs package.
• HB 2940 would dramatically cut Oregon’s commitment to our clean energy, undermining the Renewable Energy Standard targets passed in 2007.
• Liquefied natural gas and HB 3058: It’s been an all-session battle against out-of-state corporations determined to site their dirty LNG facilities in our beautiful state. The House passed HB 3058, and it now sits in the Senate. A story in Monday’s Oregonian highlights the battle of grassroots organizations fighting the deep-pocketed fossil fuels energy industry.

 

The session isn't over yet. There's still time for significant progress on climate, water, marine reserves, and invasive species this session. There’s still time to stop major threats and pass key bills that will protect the Oregon we love. That’s what we’re fighting for… Stay tuned.

Sewing Machines to HB 3072

I know what you are thinking right now, “What do sewing machines have to do Oregon’s House Bill 3072?” Well, maybe more than you --and even until yesterday-- I had thought.

A few weeks ago the Multnomah County Chapter of OLCV held several showings of the movie “The Lord God Bird”, a documentary about the extinction and possible reappearance of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.. The film was fantastic and I recommend seeing it if you can, but for me the movie was about more than just the history and tragic loss of one of America’s most majestic birds. “The Lord God Bird” gave tremendous insight into how forests have been abused and why it matters today.

By the 1930’s, it was already clear that the Ivory Billed Woodpecker was one of America’s most threatened species in the United States.  One of the prime habitats for the bird, an area where many of the last sightings took place, was known as the Springer Tract, an area of southern forest named that because it was owned by the Springer Sewing Machine Company. As the national demand for timber grew, the Springer Company sold this land to the Chicago Mill Company, who planned to clear cut the land and sell the timber.
The Audubon Society tried desperately to get the company to refrain cutting one of the last known habitats of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, going as far as the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. But even Roosevelt’s attempts failed and all involved were given the same bottom line: You may care about some bird, but we care about money. 

Nearly 80 years later the Oregon legislature is considering a bill that threatens vital habitat and balanced forest management in Oregon.  HB 3072 changes how our state forests are managed by redefining what the “greatest permanent value” of our forests are. Current law defines that as “healthy, productive, and sustainable forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon.” This balance helped protect critical habitat for a variety of species, support recreation for all of Oregon’s citizens, support strong functioning watersheds, and secure a forest industry for years to come. HB 3072 will change all this by requiring our forests simply be “managed primarily for timber production.” HB 3072 is a direct threat to Salmon and bird habitat, hikers and campers, sportsmen, clean water, and the long term economic viability of Oregon.

After seeing “The Lord God Bird” and seeing HB 3072 I can’t help but wonder if we are just fighting the same fight we did throughout the last century. Are we putting the short-term economic gains of the forest industry over the long-term benefits strong, healthy, and sustainable forests can provide every Oregonian? Will we one day be like those searching in Southern Forests for something that we thought we had lost, but might have found in the Clatsop, Tillamook, or Santiam Forests?

Perhaps it’s time we put these questions to rest. Perhaps it’s time to prioritize a clear plan for our forests that secures them for decades to come. Perhaps the 2010 election will give us that opportunity when we elect a new governor. Get involved today and help make sure our forests finally have an answer that protects all the benefits they provide to us and Oregon’s wildlife.

Graywater to Governor - Congrats to Dingfelder, Cannon

Sen. Dingfelder and Rep. Cannon had a major victory earlier this week when the Senate passed House Bill 2080, a bill allowing the use of gray water (water used in homes besides sewage and those waters contaminated by toxic chemicals), on a 24-5 vote. Homes with gray water can reuse about half of their water. Read more about the bill, which now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Congrats to these environmental champions!

House Passes OCN Priority TriMet/Lane Transit Funding Bill, 32-28

Moments ago, the Oregon House voted 32-28 to pass Senate Bill 34A, an OCN priority bill that will allow TriMet and Lane Transit District to raise funding to keep up with increasing demand for transit.

Oregonians desperately need transportation choices, especially those one million Oregonians who are too young, old, poor or infirm to drive. This bill helps provide those choices.

It is the second OCN Priority bill to head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.

Fascinating stuff

Fascinating story about the health benefits of having access to nature in today's Oregonian.

It's something I've always intuitively assumed, but glad to hear there's scientific research being done to back it up.

Hooray! Pollution Penalties Bill Moves to Governor

Senate Bill 105, a bill we've reported on a few times on this blog, passed the Oregon House 38-22 this morning and is on its way to the Governor. The bill adjusts some of Oregon's maximum penalties for polluters for inflation, as penalty levels had not been adjusted since 1973. The maximum daily fine will now be $25,000, instead of $10,000. If it had been fully adjusted for inflation, it would now be around $50,000.

Read more about the bill.

Climate Advocacy Night was a Success!

The Healthy Climate Partnership and the Oregon Conservation Network, with the help of 18 stellar volunteers, executed a massive grassroots push this past Wednesday towards the passage of two key climate bills. Thanks to Seth Moore for organizing such a successful event, and to the Oregon Environmental Council for the use of their space.

Almost 700 phone calls were made to constituent districts in swing Senate districts. 95 of the people we reached said yes, they would call their Senator and urge him or her to vote yes on House Bill 2186, a bill that would, among other things, create a low carbon fuel standard.

Jake Weigler, Campaign Director for the Healthy Climate Partnership, led a letter-to-the-editor writing campaign regarding Senate Bill 80. Here is he sitting amongst yummy snacks and refreshments.

Want to get involved? Contact the Healthy Climate Partnership, (503) 206-4473

Inside the election: Sometimes defeats are still victories

Here's a little bit of history in the Newport Port Commission race:

JoAnn Barton was the first contested race for any Port Commission seat. OLCV worked hard on the ground for her and she scraped out a win (173 votes) against an incumbent who held the position for eight years.

The only other contested race in that same  year, in which OLCV chose not to endorse either candidate, the challenger lost by 1083 votes.

This year OLCV endorsed Carol Cole, an unknown in the community, who decided to run on the day of the filing deadline. Cole ran against a well-known incumbent who was appointed to the Port Commission in 2006. She lost yesterday by 343 votes. This may seem like a blow out in Newport, but considering how little excitement there is around the port races in general, this is pretty close.

While this is not a statistic "win" it was a win for the environmental community in Lincoln County. OLCV forced the incumbent to campaign in a race that was supposed to be an easy win. He ran radio and newspaper ads and highlighted his position on the environment.

The OLCV Lincoln County chapter looks forward to building on this momentum and working with the Port Commission to make sure the health of the Bay and the surrounding port region is a high priority when decisions are made.

--Tresa Horney, OLCV Field Organizer

To see election results for all OLCV-endorsed candidates, visit the OLCV Endorsements and Elections page.

OLCV Election Results

Leading up to yesterday's election, OLCV endorsed candidates in four counties. It made a difference in many races, but the most obvious victory this time around would have to be Jeremy Ferguson's win for Mayor of Milwaukie. As of this posting, the race had not been officially called. But with Ferguson was ahead by about 30 votes, we're confident he's in. And he's the first to acknowlege that without OLCV's assistance with his grassroots campaign effort, he may not have eeked by.

For election results for all of OLCV's endorsed candidates, go to the OLCV Elections and Endorsements page.

For perspective on the Newport Port Commission race, check out OLCV Field Organizer Tresa Horney's blog post.

Out, Out, Damn Phosphates! SB 631 Passes House, Heads to Governor

This morning the Oregon House voted 47-13 to pass SB 631, a bill to reduce phosphates in household dish soap. The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature. A special congrats to Sen. Jackie Dingfelder, lead sponsor, and cosponsor Rep. Jules Bailey, who carried it on the House side. Voting against were Reps. Garrard, Gilman, Hanna, Krieger, Maurer, Olson, Richardson, G. Smith, Sprenger, Thatcher, Thompson, Weidner, and Wingard.

When introduced to surface or ground water, phosphorus increases algae growth which in turn can reduce oxygen levels and kill aquatic life. This has caused major algae blooms on lakes in Oregon, including Woahink and Siltcoos Lake

on the south coast. In 2007 the community between those lakes, Dunes  City, passed an ordinance designed to reduce phosphorus deposits.  This ban will help clean up waters and save on the cost of waste water treatment.

More about the bill

Invasives Priority Bill to Governor, While Quagga Mussels Found in Washington

Senate Bill 571, an OCN Priority for a Healthy Oregon, passed the Oregon House on a 60-0 vote this morning. The bill will increase penalties on those people who introduce invasive fish into Oregon waters. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. Congratulations to all those who helped move this important bill forward! (more about the bill)

Meanwhile, two other invasive priority bills, House Bill 2220 and House Bill 2020, remain in the Joint Ways and Means Committee. HB 2220 would authorize a set of border stations to check boats coming into Oregon for invasive plants and mussels. HB 2020 would set up an emergency response fund to fight invasives. Both are particularly timely in light of today's news that a boat in Washington was found to be carrying quagga mussels, which can cause huge ecological damage and millions of dollars of damage to public water infrastructure.

Climate Advocacy Night, tonight! Will you Join?

Join the Healthy Climate Partnership for an evening of phone and letter writing advocacy around our two cornerstone climate bills of the session, Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 2186. The calls are easy and rewarding, and writing letters to the Editor of our local newspapers is a neat way to engage with the issue while also spreading awareness.

There will be ample amounts of food and refreshments, so block off a few hours for an opportunity to work towards passing these bills, and to have dinner on us.

When: Tonight, Wednesday May 20th, from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: Oregon Environmental Council Office, 222 NW Davis, Ste 319, Portland
Contact: Seth Moore, seth@hcporegon.org